Principal Investigator at Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Brazil
Dr. Alvaro Luiz Bertho dos Santos is a renowned biomedical scientist recognized for groundbreaking contributions in immunology, immunoparasitology, and flow cytometry. Based at a leading public health research institute, he leads efforts that bridge cellular biology with infectious disease research. As director of a high-impact flow cytometry facility, he facilitates cutting-edge analysis and mentorship within the scientific community. Dr. Bertho is widely respected for pioneering the use of flow cytometry in his region and for his role in shaping future generations of researchers through graduate-level teaching. He actively contributes to international scientific societies, serves as a peer reviewer, and champions global collaboration. His scholarship includes numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and technical guides. With a career dedicated to research excellence, infrastructure development, and public health impact, he has earned a distinguished reputation and consistently drives innovation in immunoparasitology and cellular immunology.
Professional Profile
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Education
Dr. Bertho possesses a robust academic foundation in biomedical sciences and public health. His educational pathway included intensive training in immunology, parasitology, and cellular biology at preeminent institutions in Brazil. Throughout his studies, he honed advanced laboratory skills, experimented with cutting-edge analytical instruments, and developed strong theoretical understanding of disease immunopathogenesis. His graduate research focused on immune cell behavior during parasitic infections, integrating experimental methods with theoretical frameworks. This educational background equipped him with the knowledge to design impactful studies on host–pathogen interactions and cellular immune responses. It also prepared him to lead high-level scientific facility operations and to guide emerging scholars. His academic credentials reflect a blend of rigorous coursework, practical laboratory training, and collaborative research exposure—creating a foundation for his lifelong contributions to the biomedical and public health research community.
Experience
Dr. Bertho is a seasoned researcher who leads public health–oriented investigations into infectious diseases. As head of a premier flow cytometry facility, he manages complex analyses and supports multiple research collaborations. He mentors graduate students within a parasite biology research program, guiding thesis design, technical execution, and scientific dissemination. His experience spans research coordination, laboratory leadership, and interdisciplinary projects involving cellular immunology and infectious disease pathology. In academic settings, he has contributed to undergraduate and graduate teaching and provided specialized consulting on immunology topics. In previous roles, he has advised clinical laboratories and taught in complementary biomedical programs, combining practical diagnostics expertise with academic instruction. His professional experience embodies leadership, technical innovation, and mentorship in research-intensive environments.
Award and Honor
While specific prize names are not listed, Dr. Bertho’s career is marked by significant recognition within national and international scientific communities. He is a respected member of multiple scientific associations dedicated to cytometry and extracellular vesicle research, as well as regional immunology organizations. His reputation as a leader in flow cytometry and infectious disease immunology is underlined by frequent invitations to peer-review leading international journals. He is known for developing institutional platforms and technical manuals that support both education and research, contributing to research infrastructure recognized across the region. His professional standing reflects community acknowledgment of his scientific contributions, thought leadership, and service to the research community. The honors implicit in his leadership roles and institutional impact reinforce his status as an esteemed researcher.
Research Focus
Dr. Bertho’s research explores immune mechanisms in parasitic and infectious diseases, with a special focus on immune cell–derived extracellular vesicles. He investigates how these vesicles influence disease onset, progression, and immune regulation, particularly in tropical diseases like malaria and leishmaniasis. His work leverages advanced flow cytometry techniques to uncover biomarkers and cellular pathways involved in host–pathogen interactions. By combining immunogenetic analysis, cell biology, and technology-driven profiling tools, he aims to understand how immune dysregulation contributes to disease severity. His research supports development of targeted diagnostics and therapeutic strategies, and contributes to vaccine-related investigations through detailed immune profiling. Dr. Bertho’s focus emphasizes translational potential, linking basic science to public health outcomes and fostering collaborative frameworks across research networks.
Research Skill
Dr. Bertho brings a highly specialized skill set in flow cytometry, immunoanalytical assays, and molecular immunology. He excels in experimental design for immune profiling, extracellular vesicle characterization, and immunogenetics studies. As a facility director, he oversees instrumentation management, protocol development, and multidisciplinary support for internal and external collaborators. He also excels in academic mentorship, guiding complex research projects and fostering critical thinking among students. His communication skills include authoring scientific papers, technical manuals, and teaching curricula. He is adept at coordinating research grants, network collaborations, and peer-review processes. His skill set also includes consulting on immunology methodologies and supporting large research infrastructures. These competencies position him as a key leader in immunoparasitology research, educational mentorship, and infrastructure development.
Publication Top Notes
Title: Identification of naturally infected Lutzomyia intermedia and Lutzomyia migonei with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) revealed by a polymerase chain reaction assay
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Citations: 210
Year: 2005
Title: Leishmania-reactive CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells associated with cure of human cutaneous leishmaniasis
Infection and Immunity
Citations: 170
Year: 1994
Title: Synthesis, pharmacological evaluation and electrochemical studies of novel 6-nitro-3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl-N-acylhydrazone derivatives: Discovery of LASSBio-881, a new ligand for neuropathic and inflammatory pain
Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Citations: 107
Year: 2007
Title: Evaluation of the stability and immunogenicity of autoclaved and nonautoclaved preparations of a vaccine against American tegumentary leishmaniasis
Citations: 102
Year: 1999
Tile: T-cell responsiveness of American cutaneous leishmaniasis patients to purified Leishmania pifanoi amastigote antigens and Leishmania braziliensis promastigote antigens: Immunologic patterns associated with cure
Experimental Parasitology
Citations: 101
Year: 1996
Title: Characterization of human T lymphocyte-mediated immune responses induced by a vaccine against American tegumentary leishmaniasis
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Citations: 93
Year: 1995
Title: Flow cytometry in the study of cell death
Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz
Citations: 92
Year: 2000
Title: Leishmania amazonensis: Multidrug resistance in vinblastine-resistant promastigotes is associated with rhodamine 123 efflux, DNA amplification, and RNA overexpression of a P-glycoprotein gene
Experimental Parasitology
Citations: 80
Year: 1995
Title: Immunologic patterns associated with cure in human American cutaneous leishmaniasis
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research
Citations: 68
Year: 1998
Title: Flow cytometric analysis of cellular infiltrate from American tegumentary leishmaniasis lesions
British Journal of Dermatology
Citations: 67
Year: 2005
Title: Detection of early apoptosis and cell death in CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells from lesions of patients with localized cutaneous leishmaniasis
Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research
Citations: 57
Year: 2000
Conclusion
Dr. Alvaro Luiz Bertho dos Santos stands out as a distinguished and pioneering researcher whose long-standing contributions to immunoparasitology and flow cytometry have had a transformative effect on biomedical research in Brazil and Latin America. His prolific scientific output, leadership in research infrastructure, commitment to mentorship, and active role in international scientific societies make him highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. With continued focus on global engagement and scholarly visibility, Dr. Bertho is well-positioned to lead future advancements in infectious disease research and contribute meaningfully to global health challenges.